Early voting for the NYC mayoral election and other contests and ballot measures has officially started — here’s what to understand.

The countdown is on.

Starting at 9 a.m. on Saturday, early voting kicks off in New York City. This gives residents the opportunity to cast their votes in a heated mayoral election featuring Democratic Socialist Zoran Mamdani, Republican Curtis Sliwa, and former Governor Andrew Cuomo, who is running as an independent.

But it’s not just about the mayor. Voters will also decide on a new city auditor and public defender, along with borough presidents, district attorneys, city council members, and judges.

Here’s a quick rundown on what you need to know before heading to the polls.

When can you vote early?

Early voting runs for nine days, beginning 10 days before Election Day on November 4th. Registered voters can take advantage of this opportunity at designated polling locations.

• October 25-27: 9 a.m. to 5 p.m.
• October 28-29: 10 a.m. to 8 p.m.
• October 30: 9 a.m. to 5 p.m.
• October 31: 8 a.m. to 4 p.m.
• November 1-2: 9 a.m. to 5 p.m.

How to locate your polling place

If you need to find out where to vote, simply head to the City Board of Elections website. Enter your address and zip code to get directed to your local polling station.

Are early voting locations the same as on Election Day?

Not always.

Many polling places on Election Day are often public schools, making them unavailable for early voting. It’s a good idea to double-check with the Board of Elections to see if your early voting site differs from your Election Day location.

When’s the deadline to register?

Today!

You might want to verify your voter registration status here.

Do you need an ID to vote?

Yes, having a New York ID is essential, although you don’t necessarily need to show it when voting.

If you registered without providing ID, you may need to show some identification at the polling place. Acceptable forms include a photo ID like a driver’s license or a recent utility bill, bank statement, government check, or similar documents that show your name and address.

First-time voters who haven’t submitted ID by Election Day can still cast their votes through affidavit but cannot use voting scanners at the polls.

What else is on the ballot besides the mayoral race?

The mayoral contest to replace Eric Adams has drawn a lot of attention, but there are several other races as well.

Citywide positions include Public Advocate and City Comptroller, while boroughs will vote for their own borough presidents, district attorneys, city council members, and judges.

Additionally, there are six proposals on the ballot related to housing issues and the timing of local elections.

You can check out your specific ballot online.

Is ranked choice voting being used for the mayoral election?

No, ranked choice voting is only applicable for primaries and special elections.